Zoo officials monitoring Ruth after escape into the cold

NEW BEDFORD — Zoo officials continue to keep a close watch on Ruth, the elephant who was accidentally exposed to frigid temperatures.

NEW BEDFORD — Zoo officials continue to keep a close watch on Ruth, the elephant who was accidentally exposed to frigid temperatures.

"Our highest priority is that Ruth recovers fully from the traumatic experience," said Keith Lovett, director of the Buttonwood Park Zoo.

One of the zoo's two elderly elephants, Ruth, 55, managed to get out of her heated barn between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday during the blizzard. Lovett said two zookeepers forgot to padlock the barn door. Ruth managed to push the door open and get out.

Zoo officials don't know how long she was exposed to the cold but Lovett said zookeepers brought her back into the barn in the morning and warmed her with hot blankets and heaters.

Ruth is on antibiotics as a precaution but is being constantly monitored for hypothermia by the zoo vet. So far she seems to be OK, officials said.

"We are worried about frostbite on her extremities," said Lovett who explained that the effects could show up after some time. "She is in good health and doing well so far."